I agree, they don't have to worry about being reelected so they...

I agree, they don't have to worry about being reelected so they would just see the locals as acceptable co lateral damage if it suited the position they take.
I am still hoping for a settlement. The dispute seems to be about the money Mali wants from LLL and not GF. However if Mali play hard ball GF could be co lateral damage in that they need the ore which they cannot get without a resolution and the power plant approval. In this case I would expect GF would or may play hard ball themselves and get their Government to have a 'fire side chat' with the Mali Officials involved.